Top LPN to RN Programs in Portland, Oregon for 2026

With over 200,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in the U.S., many are looking to advance their nursing careers by obtaining a registered nurse (RN) license. In the Portland metropolitan area specifically, the job outlook for registered nurses is very strong with over 14% growth expected through 2030. Fortunately, there are excellent LPN to RN programs available to equip nurses with the additional training needed to become licensed RNs.

When researching programs, it is important to look for institutions that hold appropriate state approvals and nursing accreditations. This helps ensure curriculum quality and that graduates will meet licensure and hiring requirements. Here are five of the top LPN to RN programs in Portland, Oregon for 2024 ranked according to affordability, flexibility for working nurses, reputation, career support, and graduate outcomes.

Comparing RN and LPN Roles and Scope of Practice

Before assessing specific Oregon programs for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking to bridge to Registered Nurse practice, it is important to understand key differences that impact daily responsibilities:

RN Scope

• Comprehensive patient assessments
• Creation and adjustment of care plans
• Administration of complex medications & treatments
• Patient education, evaluation & broader advocacy
• Lead coordination of interdisciplinary teams
• Increased autonomy in decisions & evaluations

LPN Scope

• Patient vitals & data monitoring
• Administer basic care & treatments
• Limited medication administration
• Document status changes
• Assist planning under RN guidance
• More focused technical skills

While both provide critical services in patient care environments, the RN requires more advanced skills in assessment, clinical judgement, and care coordination which the top LPN to RN pathways detailed below instill.

1. Mt. Hood Community College

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is the largest community college in Oregon with roots going back to 1966. The main campus in Gresham, OR houses the nursing and allied health division which contains MHCC‘s highly regarded LPN to RN program pathway.

This full-time, five-term track provides the remaining nursing curriculum and clinical requirements for LPNs to qualify for RN licensure. Courses cover topics like medical-surgical nursing, mental health, pediatrics, obstetrics, and nursing leadership. Developed in collaboration with practice partners, the program culminates in a capstone preceptorship where students gain invaluable hands-on experience.

MHCC‘s LPN to RN program maintains excellent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates while offering smaller cohort sizes. Graduates praise the supportive faculty members along with the career guidance offered by the school‘s placement services team.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 49
• Tuition: $8,724 in-state
• Duration: 5 academic terms
• Schedule: Monday-Friday

Admission Requirements

• Active LPN license
• A&P + Microbiology prerequisites
• CASPer test & drug screening

2. Clackamas Community College

With origins going back over 50 years, Clackamas Community College (CCC) serves over 25,000 students annually across its main Oregon City campus and three satellite locations. CCC offers an Associate Degree Nursing Program that allows LPNs to enter during the second year after completing necessary prerequisites.

This full-time track requires four terms of academic coursework and clinical rotations. Students gain experience across medical-surgical units, critical care, pediatrics, maternity care, community health, and mental health nursing. CCC partners closely with healthcare employers in the region to align training with industry needs and provide employment connections.

The college offers an affordable pathway to RN licensure, maintains a strong first-time NCLEX pass rate, and provides robust student support services. These include tutoring, counseling, disability accommodations, and access to simulation labs for skills practice after hours.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: Up to 72
• Tuition: $14,559 total
• Duration: 4 terms LPN to RN
• Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday

Admission Requirements

• Active LPN license
• A&P + Microbiology courses
• TEAS test & CASPer test

Role of Accreditation in Choosing Quality Programs

When researching LPN to RN pathways, prospective nurses should look for evidence of approvals and accreditation. This includes:

• State Board Approval: Confirms the program meets curriculum requirements for RN licensing.

• CCNE or ACEN Accreditation: Ensures program quality standards for foundational nursing competencies. Over 50% of Portland RN jobs require a BSN which relies on CCNE accredited programs.

• Financial Aid Eligibility: Allows students to access federal tuition assistance and nursing loans.

Reputable programs display accreditation badges clearly on their websites and highlight licensure/certification exam outcomes. Checking for proper oversight guarantees your education aligns with RN career prospects.

3. Concordia University Accelerated BSN

Concordia University is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution that offers nursing programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track at Concordia‘s Portland campus provides an intensive option specifically targeted to students with prior college credits or degrees.

While open to anyone meeting admission criteria, this 15-month full-time program allows LPNs to leverage existing anatomy, physiology, and other coursework to earn their BSN efficiently. The ABSN curriculum combines classroom and online learning with over 960 hours of hands-on clinical experience across the Portland metro area and southwest Washington.

Small class cohorts of 24 students receive highly personalized instruction from nursing faculty holding doctoral degrees. Concordia ABSN also provides academic and career support with dedicated success coaches, faculty advising, NCLEX-RN preparation, resume writing workshops and job placement assistance.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 56
• Tuition: $43,500 total
• Duration: 4 academic terms
• Schedule: Monday-Friday

Admission Requirements

• Active LPN license
• 36 prerequisite credits
• CASPer test & drug test

Tips for Funding Your Nursing Education

While investing in an RN license pays dividends over the long-term in enhanced career prospects and earning potential, tuition is a major factor for prospective nurses to weigh, especially when considering full-time programs.

Here are three common approaches for funding LPN to RN transitions or nursing bachelor‘s degrees:

Employer Education Assistance: Many large health systems and government agencies offer tuition reimbursement or nursing school loan repayment programs in return for a 1-2 year work commitment after graduation.

Nursing Scholarships: Professional organizations, hospitals, and civic groups offer millions annually in awarded scholarships and grants specific to nursing students.

Student Loans & Aid: Federal student loans allow borrowing up to $12,500 annually, while private lenders cater specifically to borrowers seeking health science degrees.

Reaching out to program advisors for financing recommendations can uncover additional options like nurse corps stipends, va benefits, local foundations, and crowdsourced special interest funding.

4. OHSU School of Nursing

As Oregon‘s only academic health center, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) is home to the state‘s largest nursing program housed within the OHSU School of Nursing. While known primarily for BSN and advanced nursing degrees, OHSU offers multiple educational pathways including an opportunity for LPNs to earn an RN license.

Eligible LPNs can apply to enter the final five terms of OHSU‘s Traditional BSN program after completing any required prerequisite courses. This full-time program provides advanced nursing curriculum, leadership development and extensive clinical rotations across OHSU‘s hospital network.

All School of Nursing programs are led by doctorally-prepared faculty conducting groundbreaking research. Students also gain invaluable experience at OHSU‘s hospitals and clinics ranked among the nation‘s best. Program graduates have exceptional first-time NCLEX pass rates along with access to abundant RN job opportunities regionally and statewide.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: Up to 124
• Tuition: $9,000 per term
• Duration: 5 academic terms
• Schedule: Monday-Friday

Admission Requirements

• Active LPN license
• 36 prerequisite credits
• TEAS test & CASPer test

Projected RN Job Growth in Portland Area

The latest projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics‘ Occupational Outlook Handbook show the RN workforce expanding rapidly over the next decade across Oregon:

• Portland Metro:

  • 2020 RNs Employed: 18,000
  • Projected 2030 RNs: 21,700 (14% Growth)

• Statewide:

  • 2020 Oregon RNs: 40,000
  • Projected 2030 RNs: 47,900 (16% Growth)

Several factors drive the above-average outlook including an aging population demanding more healthcare services, nurse retirements, and achieving the Future of Nursing goals for 80% BSN nurses by 2030. All signaling abundant career opportunities for LPNs entering RN roles through local bridging programs.

5. Portland Community College

Portland Community College (PCC) provides affordable, quality education through its extensive network of campuses across the Portland metropolitan area. PCC offers an Associate Degree Nursing program tailored for advancing LPNs at either its Cascade or Rock Creek locations.

Eligible LPNs enter during the second year of this five-term plan after completing prerequisites. Coursework prepares students for RN practice across the lifespan while clinicals occur at major hospital partners including Adventist Health Portland, Legacy Health, Oregon Health and Science University, and Providence Health System.

PCC prioritizes inclusiveness and individual support by providing small class sizes, diversity programs, disability services and personalized advising. Their nursing graduates have achieved outstanding licensure exam pass rates along with employment options spanning ambulatory clinics, skilled nursing facilities, schools, government agencies and other healthcare settings.

Program Details

• Credits: Up to 108
• Tuition: $14,739 total
• Duration: 5 term pathway
• Schedule: 2-3 Days Weekly

Admission Requirements

• Active LPN license
• A&P + Microbiology transferred
• TEAS test & CASPer test

Evaluating Program Value, Quality and Student Outcomes

Prospective nurses considering the best LPN to RN program fit should closely compare cost, accreditation quality, graduate success metrics, career support and flexibility:

Program	Cost	Accredited	2022 NCLEX Pass Rate	Schedule
Mt Hood CC	$8,724	ACEN	95%	Full-time
Clackamas CC	$14,559	ACEN	91%	Full-time
Concordia ABSN	$43,500	CCNE	100%	Full-time
OHSU Nursing	$45,000	CCNE	95%	Full-time
Portland CC	$14,739	ACEN	94%	Part-time

With excellent training options combined with an increasing demand for registered nurses, LPNs in Portland have outstanding opportunities to advance their education, skills and earning potential. The programs highlighted above represent high-caliber LPN to RN pathways available locally to secure a rewarding long-term nursing career.

By comparing curriculum models, costs, career prospects, and student outcomes, current LPNs can determine which pathway aligns best with their professional goals and economic situation. Registered nursing offers immense opportunities for advancement and specialization. So whether an associate, bachelor‘s or accelerated route, LPN to RN programs unlock doorways to rewarding lifelong careers caring for the health and wellbeing of our communities.